NIAPA chairman Fitzpatrick welcomes the Farmmodernisation announcement

It brings to the end a long wait for many farmers who need assistance to invest in modernising items.

As usual we will offer what help we can to applicants who wish to avail of our service.

It is important, however, particularly in the present financial climate that producers carefully consider their proposals to invest as they need to find matching funding.

There will be a six week window of opportunity to submit an application so there is no immediate rush unlike the tranche one. However, it would not be advisable to wait until the last few days.

Bearing in mind applications will be scored with marks available for land classification, age, type of equipment and form of submission, all applicants should have an idea of their maximum potential and where their application might fit in terms of eligibility.

As most people are aware there is an opportunity to enhance scoring by submitting an application online and we have had many queries regarding this from people who do not have broadband access and others who are not familiar with the online process.

We will help where possible to submit applications online and have a small team available for this particular scheme.

We will be offering clinics in our usual venues with staff available in our Cookstown office on a daily basis.

For further assistance regarding clinics and form filling contact 028 8676 5700 or long onto www.niapa.webs.com.